HC Deb 19 March 1956 vol 550 cc808-9
12. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present position of British officers in the Arab Legion.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The Jordan Government have expressed their desire to retain British officers with the Arab Legion, and discussions are at present in progress between Her Majesty's Ambassador in Amman and the Jordan Government on how best the continued co-operation of British officers with the Legion can be maintained.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that the Prime Minister emphatically informed the House on 5th March last that the officers on the Active List of the British Army—about 15 in number—will be recalled."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 5th March, 1956; Vol. 549, c. 1720.] Has there been some dithering or grovelling by Her Majesty's Government since then, as the result of which the withdrawal of these officers is even more difficult than Her Majesty's Government imagined?

Mr. Lloyd

I think the desire on both sides of this House would be to preserve Anglo-Jordan friendship and the connection of British officers with the Arab Legion. At the moment these negotiations are going on, and I do not think I can usefully say any more.

Mr. Younger

Whilst I agree with the desirability of preserving good relations, may I ask whether the Foreign Secretary is aware that there is a certain anxiety lest we should find ourselves having to pay out a very large sum in respect of the Arab Legion but getting nothing in return, which seems to be the view of what the situation should be by some of Jordan's Arab neighbours?

Mr. Lloyd

I am aware of that point, but I still think it would be better to await the result of the negotiations.

Mr. Crossman

Would the Foreign Secretary not give us one assurance that if we entirely lose control of the Legion, which apparently is now assumed, we shall not continue to pay a vast subsidy for a Legion over which we have no control? Can he give us at least one assurance?

Mr. Lloyd

That is getting a little bit away from the Question on the Paper. If the hon. Gentleman will put down that question, I will try to answer it.